The new edition of the International Tourism Fair of Catalonia held from 15th to 18th April at the Montjuïc exhibition complex with the Ecotourism trails place of Andorra as a nature destination in attendance offering visitors the Pyrenean country's new summer offers. The ecotourism trails around the Principality’s nature spots, such as the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley in Escaldes-Engordany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are some of the original offers to be found in the seven Andorran parishes.
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Andorra attended the International Tourism Fair of Catalonia (SITC) with a 77 m2 stand located in pavilion 2 of the Montjuïc exhibition complex; 21m2 was given over to Caldea which offered free Amma massages – an oriental treatment performed in an ergonomic chair with pressure placed on the body’s energy points. Ski Andorra (Grandvalira and Vallnord), Hotansa, Princesa Parc Hotel, Plaza Hotels and Naturlandia also are attended.
All the activities the Pyrenean country had to offer with the arrival of the summer season was on display at the Andorra stand, such as nature trails uncovering the typical flora and fauna in an Alpine area, introducing the country’s cultural heritage, visiting national museums, tasting the local cuisine or taking advantage of the competitive prices offered by the country’s shops. Andorra offers year-round leisure, sports and adventure activities to be enjoyed on one’s own, with a partner or with the whole family.
There are unique nature spots to be enjoyed in all Andorran parishes offering high mountain fauna. The ‘newcomer to Canillo, the alpine marmot’ trail offers visitors the chance to get to know this mammal in its natural habitat, as well as appreciate the typical flora in the Ransol Valley. The country’s main birds of prey and gliders can be spotted in La Collada de Beixalís and the Padern Peak in Encamp. The chamois herds in the Enclar Valley are a highlight in Andorra la Vella.
Visitors can head up the highest peak in Andorra in La Massana – the Comapedrosa at 2,942 meters high – and enjoy a pleasant tour of the Comapedrosa Valleys Nature Reserve. The Sorteny Valley Nature Reserve can be explored in Ordino – a nature spot with over 700 species of flowers and plants. The trail can be completed with a trip to the botanical garden. Another original ecotourism offer is the trades trail in Sant Julià de Lòria – where the country’s first human settlement can be found.
Andorra covers 468 km2 and the entire country can be crossed on foot thanks to the Grand Routes, accessing the lakes in the area and even staying at one of the 29 refuges open throughout the year. Andorra offers visitors the chance to make a break into a true adventure surrounded by nature.
Everything is possible in Andorra. Hiking, MTB, mountain lake scuba diving, venturing out on the many vias ferratas and even fishing in the country's rivers and lakes. Golf lovers can also play their favourite sport at Grandvalira Golf Soldeu, located 2,250 metres high. A one-off experience! There is also pitch-and-putt available in the Ordino Valley and La Massana.
Another way to discover the country’s cultural heritage is through its museums. An original offer is heading to the old houses of the country’s representative families up to the first half of the 20th century. Casa Cristo shows the austerity of a humble home, whilst Casa Rull belonged to one of the most influential families in the country and Casa Areny-Plandolit was lived in by the country’s only aristocratic family.
Andorran Romanesque architecture is a major historical legacy, with over 40 Romanesque churches. One of the features of these structures is the small size and austere décor. If visitors wish to taste the country’s traditional cuisine, the best option is to head to one of the bordes (old rural houses renovated as restaurants). For wellness lovers, there are more relaxing options at spa centres such as Caldea and some of the country’s hotels which, in addition, offer a wide selection of beauty and well being treatments.
Contact: Andorra Tourism SAU for availability.